The future is looking brighter for a Pontypool businesswoman after her plans for expansion were under threat.
Tracey Morgan, owner of First Impressions Beauty Centre, situated above Studio 31, in Commercial Street, has been given a two-month reprieve from paying business rates on her new business property, which is currently under refurbishment.
The Free Press reported in June how Miss Morgan, aged 42, from Abersychan, was receiving demands for two separate business rate payments after purchasing the former Beverley Morgan Estate Agents, also in Commercial Street.
She bought the property in order to expand her business after seven years of trading in the town.
At the time Miss Morgan described the "crippling" burden she was faced with paying the rent for her current location, mortgage on her new property, the renovation costs and two lots of business rates.
But fortunately, after negotiations with the Valuation Office Agency, the new business rate payments have been suspended for two months.
Miss Morgan said: "I was ready to give up and sell the building.
"I really had enough but my enthusiasm is back now and I am looking forward to opening by Christmas."
She described how she wants to expand her business and offer new facilities for her customers, particularly her elderly clients who have difficulty accessing her current location because of its upstairs position.
"I didn't want to move out of Pontypool because all my customers are here.
"I think business will improve by 50 percent when we are open because people will see us," she said.
It's full steam ahead now for the refurbishment. Miss Morgan explained the building has been granted change of use planning and she is now waiting for permission to erect her signage.
She said she is excited for the future of her new business, which will occupy four floors of the new building and has plans in another year's time to open a health suite with a jacuzzi.
First published on the Free Press |website